Below are pictures of Sam Ard, who many fans and competitors say is probably the best driver who ever competed in the old Late Model cars both on dirt and asphalt. Ard, who started his racing career in the hobby division at Goose Creek (S. C.) Speedway in the early 60's and progressed through the ranks until he became a two-time Busch Grand National champion. He raced on tracks in the Carolinas, Virginia and as far north as the famous Milwaukee Mile in Wisconsin.

He landed a deal with Thomas Brothers Country Ham and immediately put that company on the map. His racing career ended at North Carolina Motor Speedway near Rockingham in 1984 when he was involved in a wreck that caused a head injury among other things.

Ard and his family have encountered some hard times of late as he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and his wife, Jo is losing her eyesight. Their main income is from his Social Security benefits, but with the mounting medical bills, the outlook looks very bleak.

A trust has been set up so fans and friends may help with finances. Also a website has been set up so everyone can read about this legend and his family. The website is: www.samard.com .